Bioluminescence in Fishes and It’s Significance

Abstract

Living world is beautiful, Bioluminescence in fishes shows great adaptation in deep sea. Light producing organs are also called “ Luminous organs”. These organ are adaptive modifications of skin which serve to emit light in the waters, where the sunlight ceases to penetrate. It is present in deep sea fishes which occupy the region of 300-800 ft depth. It occurs in mid water and bottom dwelling deep sea fishes. Luminescent organs are specific characters of an individual it shows taxonomic characters. eg. - lantern fish and relatives (Myctophiformes) there are variations in number and distribution present in two groups elasmobrach and teleostomi (Actinopterygii). Mainly two types of light organs : simple organ photophores are numerous. Eg. Pachystomias complex organ (large) eg. Asthromethus Bioluminescence is an adaptation in fishes which enable them to survive in deep sea and make their survival sure. Bioluminescence help fishes to illuminate the environment and protect themselves, Taxonomic identification sexual determination and an important sensory organ in deep sea.